There’s a certain joy in waking up to the warm scent of freshly baked donuts wafting through your kitchen. Picture this: as you step into the room, the air is thick with the sweet aroma of vanilla and the slight tang of sourdough, inviting you to indulge in a delectable treat. I discovered this Fluffy Glazed Sourdough Donut Recipe during one of my weekend baking adventures, and it quickly became a household favorite. Whether you prefer the lightness of baked donuts or the indulgence of fried ones, this recipe delivers irresistible softness and a hint of sweetness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, you can feel good about treating yourself, as the sourdough fermentation brings flavor and a touch of health consciousness to your breakfast table. So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and create some mouthwatering memories? Let’s dive into the delightful world of homemade sourdough donuts!

Why choose a Sourdough Donut Recipe?

Delightful Flavor: The subtle tang of sourdough perfectly balances sweetness, creating a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.

Flexible Options: Whether you prefer baked or fried, this recipe caters to every donut lover’s taste.

Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve bakery-level results right at home.

Healthier Indulgence: Sourdough fermentation not only adds flavor but also gives a touch of health consciousness to your treats.

Crowd-Pleaser: These donuts are sure to impress friends and family, making them perfect for gatherings or weekend brunches!

So, roll up your sleeves and explore the warmth of homemade goodness with these delightful donuts!

Essential Sourdough Donut Recipe Ingredients

For the Dough
• 100% Hydration Sourdough Starter (250g) – Acts as a leavening agent, providing rich flavor and texture; you can also use active starter discard, but this may require a longer fermentation time.
• Whole Milk (115g) – Adds moisture and richness to the dough; feel free to substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
• Large Egg – Provides structure and richness; make sure it’s at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Raw Cane Sugar (55g) – Adds sweetness and enhances browning; regular granulated sugar can be used as a substitute.
• Melted Unsalted Butter (50g) – Contributes tenderness and flavor; for a dairy-free version, melted coconut oil works well.
• Vanilla Extract (3g) – Elevates the overall flavor profile; no substitutions needed, but you can increase for a stronger flavor.
• Salt (4g) – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; no substitutes are required here.
• Organic Bread Flour (290g) – Provides structure and chewiness; you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute, but expect slight textural differences.

For the Glaze
• Powdered Sugar (200g) – Forms the sweet topping that adds that signature finish to your donuts; adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
• Milk (50ml) – Provides the perfect consistency for the glaze; non-dairy milk can also be used for a vegan option.

Dive into this recipe with the right ingredients to create the softest, most delicious sourdough donuts you’ve ever tasted!

How to Make Sourdough Donuts

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter and whole milk until smooth. Add the egg, raw cane sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Sift in the bread flour and salt, stirring gently until no lumps remain.
Rest and Knead: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes. Knead the dough on medium speed for about 12 minutes until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl and becomes smooth and elastic.
Bulk Fermentation: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise overnight at around 70°F (21°C) for 8-10 hours or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Donuts: After fermentation, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about ½ inch thickness and cut out donuts using a biscuit cutter. Set aside the donut holes and allow the scraps to rest for re-rolling.
Proofing: Place the cut donuts on a floured surface, cover them, and let them rise for another 2 hours, until they puff up noticeably (about a 50% increase).
Baking Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Arrange the donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 13-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden.
Frying Instructions: For fried donuts, heat coconut oil in a frying pan to 350°F (180°C). Fry each donut for about 1 minute on each side until they turn golden brown. Drain on paper towels after frying.
Glazing: Mix the powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze. Once the donuts are cooled, dip them into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off, and let them set for about 10 minutes.

Optional: Dust with extra powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Tips for the Best Sourdough Donuts

• Starter Success: Use a bubbly sourdough starter for optimal rise and flavor; a weak starter can lead to dense donuts.

• Temperature Matters: Ensure your kitchen is warm enough during proofing; if chilly, consider using a warmed oven to enhance dough expansion.

• Frying Technique: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for perfectly golden donuts; too hot can cause burning, while too cool leads to greasy results.

• Rest Time: Don’t rush the resting periods; allowing the dough to rise thoroughly is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture in your sourdough donuts.

• Donut Size: Keep your donut shapes uniform for even cooking and baking; varying sizes can affect baking time and texture.

Make Ahead Options

Perfect for busy home cooks, these Fluffy Glazed Sourdough Donuts can be prepped in advance to save you precious time! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight (up to 24 hours) in the refrigerator, which enhances flavor and texture. Simply shape the donuts after removing the dough from the fridge and allow them to proof at room temperature for about 2 hours before frying or baking. To maintain quality, keep the dough wrapped tightly to prevent drying out. Once cooked, these delectable donuts can also be stored unglazed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, making them an easy treat to enjoy whenever you wish!

Sourdough Donut Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore these delicious twists and swaps to make your donuts truly unique!

Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a creamy texture without the dairy.
Butter-Free: Use melted coconut oil instead of butter to create a delightful tropical flavor and achieve a dairy-free donut.
Sugar Swap: opt for coconut sugar or maple syrup in place of raw cane sugar for a lower-glycemic index treat.
Flavor Boost: Mix in your favorite spices, like cinnamon or cardamom, to the dough for an aromatic twist that brings warmth to every bite.
Fruit-Filled: Add a luscious jam or custard filling before frying for a surprise burst of flavor in each delightful donut.
Whole-Grain Variation: Use whole wheat bread flour for a heartier donut that packs in fiber while still being soft and tasty.
Citrus Zing: Incorporate citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, into the dough for a vibrant and refreshing flavor that brightens up the traditional taste.
Chocolate Lovers: Fold in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the glaze for a decadent treat that satisfies any sweet tooth.

Let these variations inspire you to create a batch of donuts that’s uniquely yours!

Storage Tips for Sourdough Donuts

Room Temperature: Store unglazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness and flavor.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate glazed donuts for up to 3 days, but they may lose some of their desirable texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature, then bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes to restore freshness.

Reheating: To enjoy leftover glazed sourdough donuts warm, microwave them for about 8-10 seconds or place in a warm oven for a few minutes, ensuring they don’t dry out.

What to Serve with Glazed Sourdough Donuts?

Imagine starting your day with the sweet allure of fluffy, glazed donuts that warm your heart and soul. Pair these delightful treats with the following accompaniments for a truly unforgettable breakfast or snack experience!

Fresh Berries: Serve a medley of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts. Their tartness beautifully balances the sugary glaze.
Coffee or Tea: A steaming cup of rich coffee or fragrant herbal tea enhances the donut experience, providing warmth and comfort with each sip.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy Greek yogurt with granola and fruit for a delightful contrast in texture and a nourishing balance to your sweet treat. The tart yogurt cuts through the sweetness of the donuts perfectly.
Syrup or Honey: Drizzle with maple syrup or honey for an indulgent touch that amplifies the sweetness, creating a true breakfast feast.
Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: For an extra kick, combine cinnamon and sugar, and sprinkle over warm donuts before serving. It adds a delightful aroma and cozy flavor.
Ice Cream Scoop: Try pairing a donut with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist. The melting ice cream creates an exciting contrast with the warm donut.
Milk: A cold glass of milk can be a classic companion, perfect for dipping and complementing the sweetness of your donuts.

Elevate your experience further by mixing and matching these pairings for a breakfast or brunch that feels like a celebration!

Fluffy Glazed Sourdough Donuts Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best sourdough starter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using a bubbly, active sourdough starter is crucial for the best results. Look for a starter that has been fed within the last 4-6 hours and shows plenty of bubbles. This ensures that your donuts will rise beautifully and gain that sought-after flavor.

What’s the best way to store leftover donuts?
Very! For unglazed donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you choose to glaze them, store the glazed donuts in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, although they might lose some softness. For longer storage, freeze unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them at room temperature before warming in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to rejuvenate their fresh flavor!

Can I freeze the donuts after baking?
Absolutely! To freeze your baked sourdough donuts, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature, and for an added touch, heat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

What should I do if my donuts turn out dense?
If your donuts are denser than expected, do a little detective work! First, check if your sourdough starter was bubbly and active before using it; a weak starter can hinder the rise. Additionally, ensure that you’ve allowed enough resting and proofing time at the right temperature. Finally, be mindful not to over-knead your dough, as this can create a tough texture rather than that light, fluffy result we all crave.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Very! If you’re making these donuts for friends or family with dietary restrictions, keep in mind that you can use non-dairy milk and coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Always check for allergies related to eggs or gluten, as these are key ingredients. For gluten-free options, using a gluten-free flour blend may work, but the texture may differ from the traditional bread flour.

What type of oil should I use for frying?
Great question! While I often use coconut oil for frying these donuts due to its higher smoke point and lovely flavor, you can also opt for vegetable oil or canola oil. Just ensure that the oil maintains a frying temperature of about 350°F to avoid greasy donuts while achieving that perfect golden brown color.